UNESCO DG arrives Nigeria, engages with President Buhari, ministers

ABUJA, AUGUST 10, 2016 – The Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Ms Irina Bokova will on Wednesday arrive Abuja on an official visit to discuss and strengthen UNESCO’s programmes in Nigeria.Bokova will have discussions with President Muhammadu Buhari, according to a statement issued by the UN National Information Officer, Mr Oluseyi Soremekun, on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the UNESCO boss will also, during the visit discuss ways to strengthen its programmes in education, the sciences, culture, communication and information, and in preventing violent extremism.

“She will engage with Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Education and Chairman, Nigeria National Commission for UNESCO, Adamu Adamu and other ministers responsible for UNESCO’s areas of competence.

“The official visit will provide an opportunity to discuss ongoing cooperation with UNESCO in a number of key priorities for the organisation and in relations to the AU Agenda 2063.

“The visit is also to reaffirm UNESCO’s commitment to strengthening its action in support of societies and governments in Africa, a global priority for the organisation.

“UNESCO is supporting the African States in their efforts to deepen stability, peace and prosperity, notably within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” the statement said.

The visit to Nigeria is part of a series of official visits to West and Central Africa by the Director-General.